-
Pneumatic post system in the HNF -
Pneumatic post machine station, Berlin, 1932; © CC BY SA 4.0 Museumsstiftung Post und Telekommunikation -
Pneumatic post capsule, 1925; © CC BY SA 4.0 Museumsstiftung Post und Telekommunikation / Foto: Peter Boesang -
Berlin pneumatic post network, 1921; © CC BY SA 4.0 Museumsstiftung Post und Telekommunikation
Messages have always needed to be transported as quickly as possible. In the 19th century, that was done with high pressure, with the first pneumatic post system going into operation in London in 1853. Compressed air was used to transport letters, telegrams and small parcels through the London Underground. The pneumatic post system speeded up message transmission in the world’s major cities, which were already chronically congested even back then. In Paris, the network was 450 kilometres in length.
But pneumatic post systems were also installed in large companies, administrations and department stores. In many hospitals today, documents, medication or blood samples are still sent quickly through the floors. And the German Federal Chancellery in Berlin also relies on this fast and tap-proof means of transport.
The capsules race through the pipes at 20 to 40 km/h. Initially, steam engines and later electric motors provided the required air pressure.
At the HNF, the pneumatic post system is 19 metres in length and has two stations. It is put into operation as part of guided tours or special events.